The titles "Holy and Righteous One" are ascribed to Jesus Christ in the New Testament, emphasizing His divine nature and moral perfection. These titles reflect His unique status as the sinless Son of God and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.

Biblical References:

1. Acts 3:14 : "You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be released to you." In this passage, Peter addresses the people of Israel, highlighting their rejection of Jesus in favor of Barabbas. The use of "Holy and Righteous One" underscores Jesus' innocence and divine purity, contrasting sharply with the guilt of the murderer they chose.

2. Acts 7:52 : "Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered Him." Stephen, in his defense before the Sanhedrin, refers to Jesus as the "Righteous One," linking Him to the prophetic tradition and the culmination of God's redemptive plan.

Theological Significance:

· Holiness: The term "Holy" signifies Jesus' complete separation from sin and His perfect obedience to the will of the Father. In the Old Testament, holiness is a defining attribute of God, and by calling Jesus the "Holy One," the New Testament affirms His divine nature and equality with God. This title also reflects His role as the ultimate High Priest, who is "holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" (Hebrews 7:26).

· Righteousness: The title "Righteous One" emphasizes Jesus' moral integrity and His fulfillment of the law. In the Hebrew Scriptures, righteousness is often associated with justice and faithfulness to God's covenant. Jesus, as the Righteous One, embodies these qualities perfectly, living a life in complete accordance with God's standards. His righteousness is imputed to believers, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21 : "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

Christological Implications:

The titles "Holy and Righteous One" affirm the dual nature of Christ as both fully divine and fully human. His holiness and righteousness are essential for His role as the Savior, as only a sinless sacrifice could atone for the sins of humanity. These attributes also establish Jesus as the ultimate judge, who will return to execute justice and establish His eternal kingdom.

Old Testament Foreshadowing:

The anticipation of a holy and righteous Messiah is woven throughout the Old Testament. Prophets like Isaiah spoke of a coming servant who would embody these attributes: "By His knowledge My righteous servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities" (Isaiah 53:11). The New Testament writers identify Jesus as the fulfillment of these messianic prophecies, affirming His identity as the Holy and Righteous One.

Practical Application:

For believers, the recognition of Jesus as the Holy and Righteous One calls for a response of worship, reverence, and imitation. Christians are encouraged to pursue holiness and righteousness in their own lives, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as they follow the example set by Christ. As stated in 1 Peter 1:15-16 : "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"